Mary D. R. Boyd facts for kids

Mary D. R. Boyd (1809–?) was an American author of children's books.

Biography

Mary D. R. McCorkle was born in Philadelphia in 1809. She is the daughter of William McCorkle, for many years editor of the Freeman's Journal of Philadelphia, who was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on the July 4, 1776, and whose ancestors belonged to the clan of the MacTorqhuil Dhu, in the Scottish Highlands. Her mother was Catherine (Snowden) McCorkle.

Boyd was fond of books from her earliest recollection, and in childhood became acquainted with the classic authors in her father's library; and thus laid the foundation upon which her successful literary career was established. For awhile she attended the best schools in Wilmington, but the death of her father and the removal of the family to Philadelphia deprived her of this advantage, and she was obliged to continue her studies without the aid of a teacher, which she did so successfully that she acquired a knowledge of polite literature and several ancient and modern languages. She began to write poetry at a very early age, and some of her poems were published when she was only twelve years old.

In 1832, she engaged in teaching in the Mantua Female Academy, Chester County, Pennsylvania under the direction of the Rev. James Latta, pastor of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, and remained there three years. In 1835, she married Joseph Cowan Boyd (b. 1799), a great-grandson of Rev. Adam Boyd, the first pastor of Upper Octoraro Church. He inherited some of the old Penn patent land, and he was a successful farmer. He was also active in educational matters, filling the office of school director. The couple had five children: Catherine S., William Wallace, Mariana; Joseph C., and James S.

Since 1870, Boyd contributed much to Arthur's Lady's Home Magazine, the juvenile papers of the American Sunday-School Union, and those of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, besides writing a large number of books for youthful readers. She published at least 32 books designed for the use of Sunday schools.

By 1893, Boyd was residing in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Publications

Annie Lee, 1827
Blind Ruth, 1857
Hazleglen, 1857
Christmas Eve, 1857
Seventy Times Seven, 1857
Charlie, 1857
Little Bob True, 1858
Kind Words, 1859
Who is My Neighbor?, 1859
Words of Wisdom, 1860
Jonny Wright, the Boy Who Did Right, 1861
Homes of the West, 1864
The Five Gifts and Harry's Honest Penvies, 1864
Country Sights and Sounds for Little Eyes and Ears, 1864
Autumn Days, a Sequel to Country Sights and Sounds, 1864
Bertie and His Best Things, 1865
A series entitled Grand-mamma's Pockets, seven in number, the initial letter of cach title forming the word pockets, viz: Persevering Dick, Our Little Fruit Gatherers, Caring for God's Sparrows, Kitty's Knitting Needles, Every Little Helps, The Will and the Way and Seaside Rambles, 1866
Tim, the Collier Boy, 1869
I Have and O Had I,1869
Sweet Herbs, 1869
Stepping Stories Over the Brook, 1869
Barby's Shuttle and What It Wrought, 1869
The Three Rules: The Iron Rule, The Ride of Self and The Golden Rule, 1870
Nat Adams or The Young Machinist and His Old Proverbs, 1876
Grace Ashleigh's Life Work, 1877
A Good Name A Gooilly Heritage, 1879